Mob Character Reincarnation Loner: As a Result of Supporting the Heroine Who Had Been Rejected, I Ended up Being the Recipient of Her Heavy Emotions…
“…Oh, I forgot to buy drinks.”
Just as we sat down at the table with Hana-chan and the others to eat lunch, Bun-kun muttered that.
“I’ll run to the vending machine, so you guys go ahead and eat. If anyone wants anything else to drink, I’ll grab it while I’m there.”
“Oh, okay. Can I get a Coke?”
“I’ll have a lemon tea, please.”
“Ah, I’ll have—”
“Nanase-san, milk tea should be fine for you… Ah, hey, why are you patting my shoulder… Did I get it wrong?”
“…Not really, it’s right. It’s just… it’s just—”
Happy, embarrassed, tingly… like hiding my blush, I ended up patting Fumi-kun’s shoulder warmly.
“Irie, are you okay by yourself? “
Tenma called out to Bun-kun, who was standing up, looking concerned.
He was right. Carrying drinks for four people alone would be a bit much.
Then, I’ll come with you—
“…Right, Ayabe-san. I’m sorry, but could you come with me?”
Just as I was about to stand up, Bun-kun called out to Hana-chan.
“Sure, no problem.”
Hana-chan looked surprised for a moment, but then stood up with a somewhat resigned expression.
“Well then, I’ll be off.”
“Uh, yeah.”
“Ah, sorry about that.”
I handed over the money and watched the two head toward the vending machine.
……………………Why wasn’t it me?
For some reason, a dark, murky feeling swirled deep in my chest. This… this is the first time.
“…Irie, you know. He’s a good guy, right?”
“Huh? What’s up? Out of nowhere.”
“This whole thing made me think. Irie was on Hiyori’s side from start to finish… Even as a friend, it’s rare to find someone who supports you this much… Probably still looking out for her now too.”
“…Huh?”
“I think he took Ichika out to give me and Hiyori a chance to talk.”
“…Oh.”
That’s right. I talked things out with Hana-chan, but I never properly talked with Tenma.
If that’s the case, I can understand Hana-chan’s expression.
…It was for my sake. That’s what it was… And yet.
I hate myself for feeling this uneasy.
“Plus, he’s pretty dependable. Even when I consulted Irie, he was so mature and composed—you’d never guess he’s the same age… He’s really amazing.”
“Right!? Right!? Oh my~ So Tenma finally sees how great Bun-kun is~”
What is this? Hearing Bun-kun praised like this makes me happy as if it were my own achievement.
“I think the reason I could face Tenma and the others… was definitely because… Bun kun was there for me.”
“Ah… Yeah, that’s true.”
It’s because Bun kun supported me that I made it this far…
That’s right. Because of… Bun kun…
Huh…?
If Bun kun hadn’t been there… what would have happened to me…?
“H-Hiyori? Are you okay?”
“…Huh? What?”
“Nothing, you just suddenly went pale… Feeling sick or something?”
“Ah, uh… no… I’m fine, really, I’m fine.”
…For a second, I got serious goosebumps.
I should stop thinking about this. It doesn’t feel good.
“……………….Are you and Irie dating?”
“…………Huh!?”
“Ah, no… I just heard a rumor today that you and Irie are dating… I was wondering what the actual situation is.”
It’s probably because of that thing with Sasahara-senpai. Plus, lately I’ve been hanging around Bun-kun a lot, so it’s even more obvious.
Actually, Bun-kun and I aren’t dating, so denying it would just wrap things up neatly.
Still, answering honestly like that felt boring.
…That’s it.
“Yeah, we are.”
Curious about Tenma’s reaction, I decided to be a little mean and lie.
“Seriously…?! I knew it…”
Tenma nodded repeatedly, looking thoroughly convinced.
Huh? Wait a minute!?
“No, I’m kidding…! Don’t believe me so easily!”
“Huh? Kidding…? So you’re not actually dating?”
“We’re not dating! Seriously~ Why would you believe that~… Honestly, it’s complicated.”
“S-sorry… I’ve just been seeing you two together a lot lately, and it’s the first time I’ve seen Hiyori get so close to a guy… You’re pretty good at gauging distance with people, right?”
“W-well… That’s… true, I guess.”
As Tenma said, I don’t get close to just anyone.
I’m aware I’m especially close to Bun kun
“…And besides…”
“Besides… what?”
“…You don’t realize it? When Irie went to the vending machine with Ichika earlier, you looked really annoyed.”
“…Huh?”
Me…? Watching them…?
“So, if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask, okay? I’ll always be here for you, Irie-kun, no matter what!”
“Got it. If I’m in trouble, I’ll definitely talk to you, Ayabe-san.”
“Yes! Leave it to me!”
While I was still confused by Tenma’s words, the two of them came into view.
Right in front of me, Bun kun and Hana-chan were walking towards us, chatting happily.
Hana-chan teased Bun kun with the mischievous expression she occasionally showed, and Bun kun gruffly poked her with his plastic bottle. There was no hostile atmosphere; they just seemed to be playfully bickering.
But…somehow, why……
…………
………………My
“He’s my Bun kun…”
“H-Hiyori?”
“…Huh? What?”
“N-No… Probably just my imagination.”
Tenma said nothing more and waved at the two of them.
Feeling that vague unease deep in my chest again, I waved back at them.
…I think I just said something without meaning to.
“Welcome back, you two.”
“We’re back. Here you go, Tenma-kun.”
“Ah, thanks.”
Hana-chan handed Tenma a cola.
Bun kun, who had returned, was holding two bottles of milk tea.
“…Huh? Bun kun chose milk tea too, just like me?”
“Eh? Well… yeah. Since Nanase-san always drinks it, I kinda wanted to try it too.”
“…Huh. Oh~, I see. I see.”
Feeling embarrassed, Bun kun looked away as he spoke, so I nudged his shoulder.
Watching Bun kun blush, for some reason, my uneasiness vanished.